ESSAOUIRA BEACH TRAIL - MOROCCO
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Picturesque and traditional Essaouria is situated some hours west of Marrakech. This week long trail along the coast features plenty of riding along endless beaches interspersed with date palms and sand dunes and rocky peaks with views over the ocean. The horses are fit Arab X Barb stallions, responsive and fit ridden in English tack - an ideal summer break for good riders. The accommodation comprises of camping with a night near Essaouira at the start and Marrakech at the end in a small guest house.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - ESSAOUIRA BEACH TRAIL
Day 1
Meet at the airport, and transfer in minibus (170km) to Essaouira Night at an hotel in the Viha Damonte (4km from Essaouira) if the times of the flight allow (latest flight arrival 15:00). Otherwise a night in Marrakech for late arrivals.
Day 2
Morning in the saddle, to evaluate the level of each rider, and distribution of horses accordingly. The start of the tril takesus across a forest a forest of thujas (type of juniper tree). The terrain is variable - sometimes wide earthy tracks, ometimes sand, but we progress at all times through forest. We arrive eventually around midday at the Sidi Kaouki beach where we have our first canter across the sands. Night camping. 4.5hrs riding.
Day 3
By beautiful little paths and tracks we alternate between beach and forest, and pass through sand dunes. Then in the afternoon we climb again into the Argans (a Morrocan timber tree with an oil-bearing seed) to set up our camp on the cliff of Iftane which domintaes the ocean. Night camping. 5hrs riding.
Day 4
We progress through the Argan forests, passing numerous typical villages. We pass little sacred rivers and forest glades until we arrive at the beach of Tafedna. Night camping situated to the left of a fishing village. 4.hrs riding.
Day 5
A long ride high up on the cliff with the ocean our only horizon. Eventualy we descend towards the beach and the village of Timzguida. Hre we have a picnic and a half day of rest on the beach. There is an option to walk to Marabout, or you may prefer just bathing in the crystal waters. Night camping. 3hrs riding.
Day 6
Another long ride today - we ride bordering the sea in the morning, then we ascend again by a fairly difficult trail to rejoin the plateau. We pass many little villages before crossing the Imssourane road, then we rise again through the Argan forests and set up camp within among the trees. Night camping. 5hrs riding.
Day 7
We get up at our leisure and descend to Imssourane. After a last lunch with our team we get back on our minibus and take a short trip to Essaouira, then on to Marrakech where we book into our hotel and have a sumptuous dinner. Night in Marrakch. 2.5hrs riding.
Day 8
Transfer to Marrakech airport for return flight.
NOTES - ESSAOUIRA BEACH TRAIL
Prices 2008:
02+ pax - £995
04+ pax - £745
06+ pax - £659
There is a full backup team with vehicle for the length of your stay. Cooking will be done for you but you will be requested to assist with grooming and saddling your horse.
Level required:
One must be a good horseman and fairly fit. The horses are all stallions as it is customary not to castrate riding horses. They all have individual characters and are well schooled, of good temperament and no more difficult to handle than normal riding horses.
Logistics:
The camping is in 3 person dome tents with no more than 2 per tent. You may also have a tent to yourself for the trip for a supplement of £38. Foam mattresses are supplied, you need to bring sleeping bags. You are asked to give some help with the setting up of your tents. There is a shower tent with a large bucket of hot water for washing every day. There is one shower tent and one toilet (chemical). Meals are taken in a large restaurant tent around a round table with stools for seats. We recommend you bring 2 water bottles, mineral water will be supplied as well as plentiful amount of Berber mint tea. It is also possible to buy the usual array of carbonated drinks for about 40p per bottle in local shops. On the 2 hotel nights you can have a single room for supplement of £39 (2 nights).
GETTING TO the ride
As a fully ATOL bonded and registered agency we would be delighted to book your flights for you. Should you wish to book your own flights please see our flights page for some options.
The weight limit for this ride is 15 st/209 lb/95 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All accommodation either camping or in small hotel with shared bathroom, all riding with English speaking guide, meals as per itinerary, 4WD back up and luggage transport, transfers to and from Marrakech.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Drinks, items of a personal nature and tips.
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